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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Road Warriors

Today we traveled to Hilton Head! Here's how road warrior Browns get ready for travel:
1. Prepare cats for our departure:
(also leave toilet lid up for all the water the cats can drink)

2. Clean out fridge- eat everything in one large "Garbage Pail Omelet"

3. Get dressed in cute, yet comfortable enough for emergency maneuvering, travelling outfit.
                  E: Are you really going to wear that hat?
                  K: You mean his fashionable fedora? Why yes, yes I was since I put it on my head.

4. Weigh suitcase and then cruelly force me to eliminate "unnecessary" toiletries and wear tennis shoes & pack my cuter (and lighter) flip flops.

5. Leave extra early and wait at the airport for 2 hours and pout about wearing tennis shoes instead of cute sandals:
 E calls this my "taming of the shrew" look or "get this girl some chocolate stat" look.

Friday, August 24, 2012

NYC XOXO

I was so saddened to hear the news about the shooting at the Empire State Bldg. I lived in NYC right after college- it was one of the best times in my life and the city still holds a special place in my heart. I was thinking of all my peeps in NYC & wanted to share some old school photos from 2004.

Rockefeller Plaza

My lil' bro visiting and getting quintessential street meat

Our living room wall AC (can I tell you how excited I was when we got central air?!), lovely view, and our giant cat that could barely fit on the ledge

Times Square (from 2012 visit)

My first job after college in NYC on 6th! Also from 2012 visit.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tales from the gym

I've been a very naughty little snacker lately (afternoon chocolate- yes, please) 



which means extra trips to the gym so I can still look like this:
yea, this isn't me

Now that I am going to the gym more frequently, I want to lay the law down for the patrons of the Capitol Hill Gold's Gym:
  1. Please shower daily and wear deodorant. There is no way some of these people can smell THAT bad unless they are skipping showers. Yes, I got off the machine next to you when you got on, because you STINK!
  2. Ladies, there's no need to spritz yourself before your workout with Forbidden Fantasies, Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body, or whatever other shit you have.
  3. Men, please be aware of your undergarments. If you wear boxers and then get on the inner thigh weight machine, someone might see your little mushrooms peeking out.
Since I'm not perfect, I'd like to share a story from the gym today:

I stopped at the restroom before changing and the auto toilet wasn't flushing, so I leaned over to push the button. I had my gym bag over my shoulder, and out flops my plastic reusable water bottle. Right into the toilet. I plucked it out & threw it away, but there were still little plastic water bottle pieces floating in the toilet. So if the women's toilet overflows at Capitol Hill Golds- my bad.



Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Highs & Lows

High:
Lunch yesterday at the food trucks. In one glorious place, you can choose from Indian, Korean, tacos, BBQ, fancy sandwiches, grilled cheese, pies, and almost anything else you can imagine!
If you're a Type A, you can go online before you leave the office and see all the food trucks & where they're at. Sometimes technology amazes me :)
http://foodtruckfiesta.com/

Like swine to the trough, I flock with my colleuges!

Low:
Lunch today at the dentist.
If you grind your teeth at night (you'll know because you have flat incisors or "fangs"), wear your night guard even if it's stinky and un-cool!

Look ma, no pointers! Disclaimer: these are not my teeth :)

I didn't wear my night guard for many years and now my teeth are so sensitive I will seriously cry at the dentist if they touch the water pick to the area. On top of that, now, I get so nervous they'll forget or another area is going to hurt, I want to hold the stupid, dirty bear they give to kids.
Oh, and I have a prescription for sensitive toothpaste that's usually reserved for the 80+ crowd (thanks for pointing that out CVS).

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Musings on my fav TV shows

The hubs watches the History Channel, BBC, and documentaries.
I watch the Real Housewives, E!, and Lifetime movies. Here are my deep thoughts on some of the shows I'm watching now.

True Blood
Why is Alcide (the lead werewolf) hairless in his human form? (Let's throw the werewolf from Twilight in there too).
I get that man candy these days is supposed to be shaved:

   
Hairless werewolves- I felt perv-y googling images of Taylor Laughter at my age

Unlike the 70's:

but come on, you think a werewolf would be hairier as a human, right? Let Joe Manganiello grow it out & be true to his character. 

Honey Boo Boo Child
THANKS for helping the South overcome the stereotypes created by Deliverance!

I also need a redneck "Honey Boo Boo" nickname.
For example, my Flava Flav ghetto fab name would have been "Legz". My Jersey Shore white trash name would have been "Kimbo the Bimbo".
I've decided my Honey Boo Boo redneck name is (drum roll please): Tater Tots. Yes, that is in reference to my upper lady bits.

Today Show & Fashion Police
Both shows had Ryan Lotche on. Bless his poor Olympic gold medal winning heart, he needs a publicist or an interview coach or something. I'm sure there are professional women out there that would do this for him pro bono.



Monday, August 20, 2012

Cleavage at Work

Toe cleavage that is ;)
What is acceptable toe cleavage in the workplace?
In college, the experts at the career center said only closed toed shoes and pantyhose for interviews (not sure if that still goes).
In my office, I see some managers wear peep toes and then some only wear closed toed shoes.

I usually wear peep toes like this (only the first and second toe of cleavage):
This is my fav polish - OPI Cajun Shrimp

I just got some new shoes (what else is new) and there is much more toe cleavage:

OPI Dim Sum Plum -a close 2nd fav nail polish
See- three toes showing!!!
What about heel height with toe cleavage? These new shoes are much higher (4" heel).
I don't have cankles, this is just a bad angle.

Anyhoo, I asked E if new shoes were too slutty for work with the height and toe cleavage and he (rolled his eyes) said they were fine, so I'm going with it.

In the vein of toes, my pet peeve is funky toes. There's a girl that rides the bus with me with the most horrible toes, ever. They're never painted, she has let them grow out like talons, and they are all sorts of misshapen and crooked, and then she always wears open/ open toed Clarks and she's my age.  *shudder*
One day, I'll be brave and sneak a pic of them.


Sunday, August 19, 2012

Weekend Routines

Every weekend, E and I go grocery shopping together. We go to 2 -3 stores on the weekends- the bulk of our groceries are from Wal-Mart, but meats and seafood are mostly from Whole Foods. Oh, the crazy dichotomy.
We strive to get to the Wally early to avoid the crowds. Wal-Mart crowds are... well, there's a reason, there's a website dedicated to the people of walmart.
Today, we got to Wal-Mart late. Last weekend, there was food stamp drama when a woman couldn't get her individually wrapped cheese slices.
This weekend, a lady in one of the long lines, starts shouting at a woman checking out "you promised to buy this for me (food), are you getting this for me?" The lady leaving was like, um you are mistaken.

After grocery shopping, I prepare my breakfast and lunch for the week.
Breakfast Mon-Fri. is egg muffins. The recipe is modified from the South Beach diet (back when I was doing that).

  • Start with 6 eggs & 6 egg whites, mixed with a little water
  • Mix in veggies (sun dried tomatoes and red bell peppers is what I use), a handful of 2% cheese, and spices like basil or a blend you like
  • Line the bottom of muffin with turkey bacon
  • Pour egg mixture over bacon
  • Cook for 30 min. at 425!
Then, when I'm dashing out the door, I can heat 2 of these bad boys up for 30 seconds and go.
P.S. I love my Betty Crocker silicone liners - the muffins pop right out.

I also hard boil a dozen eggs to add to a homemade green salad I take with me every day for lunch.
These baking routines help me save money & eat healthy!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Fri. Date Night

I am obsessed with Groupon, Living Social, Bloomspot, and the like. OBSESSED.
Last night was Brown Friday date night and we used a Groupon I had purchased for an Indian restaurant we had never been to.
Indian is my favorite cuisine. I never had Indian food until I moved to NYC, so it's understandable people might intimidated to go out for Indian food if they've never had it.
It's so delicious, I'm on a mission to get everyone to love it as much as I do.


Here's what you order:
Chicken Tikka Masala (aka Butter Chicken) it usually comes with rice (pictured above).
Order Naan bread if it doesn't come with the entree.
If you have a choice of a side dish, get the Palak Paneer (it's cottage cheese in a spinach sauce and it is incredible).

Friday, August 17, 2012

Hair Butchery

I hate getting my hair cut. I wish I had long, flowing, luxurious hair, but sadly it's fine and nappy at the ends.
Whenever I get it cut, they have to take 2 inches off of the dead stuff.
Hair before (shit, it looks like I have an eyebrow issue as well!)


Hair after (it only looks better because they washed it and blew it out, but it feels short and "dutch boy chic")

Thursday, August 16, 2012

New food discoveries

I am a pretty lucky gal- my husband cooks dinner for me! (He likes it, what can I say besides hallelujah!)

He recently invented my new favorite nutritious side dish- quinoa with yellow and orange bell peppers, olive oil, parsley, and some other "secret" spices.


My other new fav dinner is spaghetti squash. I never knew how to cook it but the hubs did!
We found this awesome sauce:
than added tons of oregano, salt & pepper, and a tablespoon of parm cheese. Voila, you have a healthy meal that's just as good as what you'd get in a Italian restaurant (maybe not, but it's so cheap and healthy, I like it better!) 

Happy cooking & eating! 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Beach countdown!

I am so excited to go to Hilton Head next weekend (8/25). I am already in full on "excited squirrel planning mode". My mother also refers to me as a "flea on a hot griddle".

List made and now time to check off items like a crazy person. Too bad I didn't make this a few mo. ago and put lose 10 lbs and then ACTUALLY do it.

Here are all the books I want to read now and while I'm on vaca, unfortunately, I'm not sure how many I'll get before we leave!


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Metro Chic

Just finished
Reading currently
I hate my commute. The cost is subsidised and we can't afford another car right now, so I do it (with a lot of complaining). 

I actually don't mind riding the Metro. I usually have a seat and can get my read on.         
 
It's getting to the Metro stop with all my crap that sucks. I walk 3/4 of a mile to a bus stop and then wait like Forrest Gump. Anyhoo, when inclement weather presents itself, one must be prepared.


Cute purple rain boots- check
Matching colorful chevron umbrella- check
Horribly nerdy book bag with lunch and gym clothes- check








Monday, August 13, 2012

Deep Thoughts

I often play with my hair and space out at work. (I am obsessed with my hair- duh) It might not look like it, but this helps me think, especially if I have to write a long email or memo.
Sometimes in meetings, I do the same thing, but I am really thinking about these kinds of topics:

  • Do my hard-boiled eggs at work make everyone think I am farting at my desk? Is it an egregious co-worker offense to eat these at work?
  • What are the Lucky Charms? Weren't they in the jingle- "hearts, stars, horseshoes". I can't remember anymore!

I looked them up and no wonder, they've changed it so often!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Project Purse makeover

I'm pretty proud of the inside of my purse- it's (mostly) organized, color-coordinated, and I try not to keep a bunch of receipts and coupons in it. But everything needs an update every once in a while. Thanks to a well-timed Groupon, it was time.

Purse innards before
Here's what I keep inside my purse:
  • Makeup bag (or Chapstick, Advil, brush, and eye drop bag),
  • Wallet (I've super-glued it once already and there's still weird pieces coming loose),
  • Key chain ID holder, 
  • Sunglasses case with sunglasses,
  • iPod & BB,
  • Business card holder I use for rewards punch cards,
  • Mini notebook with my coupons stuffed in
Phase 1:
Replace broken wallet and holey Vera Bradley items & overall streamline.

Sidebar: as much as I like their fun patterns, I will only have VB for the inside of my leather purse. It's just too much to have a Vera Bradley purse if you're under 50. Totes and duffels bags are fine and are exempt from my no Vera Bradley purse rule.

Purse innards after

I get rid of a bunch of old rewards cards and removed my extra business card holder. Efficiency is good.  Also, WTF- I couldn't find a sungglasses case in my new fun pattern ("floral nightingale").

Phase 2 (TBD):
Color-coordinated sunglasses case and small notebook that I can stick my coupons into and make notes in.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Saturday City Fun Times

Last night, the stupid Taur-dog (aka the Taurus) died in a parking lot, so our (my) beautiful Saturday morning was shot. No morning Zumba followed by a hair cut, and no hair cut appointments until next weekend, naturally. I'll live with this for another week.

After we spent the amount of a Micheal Kors purse to get the stupid car repaired, we decided to have some fun.
A new car battery, taxis, and towing or *sigh*

Earlier this week, I bought a Groupon to the Dandelion Patch. I am on a mission to update my purse's innards and I have an old lady fetish for Vera Bradley patterns.


One of their locations is in one of my fav places in DC- Georgetown. There is also a Pinkberrry, so we thought we would rate it as part of our Yogurt Taste Off.

As suspected the Georgetown Dandelion Patch was small, boutiquey, and I couldn't find the Vera Bradley I wanted. While talking to the store's employees, I pronounced Papyrus "pa-pie-rus". E later said they looked at me like they thought I was brain damaged. 

So, we did what the Brown's do best, we ate our way through Georgetown.

Lunch

Um, not in the parking lot, it was Marvelous Market.

Next up: delicious truffles at over-priced Belgian chocolatier.

Fro Yo snack Pinkberry proved too far to walk to so we stopped here:
which was a great idea. We abandoned the parameters of our yogurt taste-off (another good idea, choco chips come to momma). 
AMAZING!
I can only imagine what their homemade ice cream was like. (Mouth is watering now- can you tell sweets are "my thing"?)

Also, you know it's good when the Prez has been here! I always get SO excited whenever we go to an establishment that the Obama's have been to. Regardless of your political affiliations, how many people can say "the president and I have both eaten here"?

Fun fact: we have been to another ice cream parlor (Dairy Godmother) that the Obamas have been to. Those are the only places I know of that we have both been to. I think I like my President to have a sweet tooth.





Friday, August 10, 2012

Fall Wardrobe

Sigh, my fall wardrobe needs updating, but I have champagne tastes on a beer budget. (Thank goodness my birthday is less than a month away!) Here are a few items that I'm thinking of as a must have:


if only my hips were this slim!




brown booties maybe flat or with fringe?


Heehee I already got this!

You may have read about a little thing called sequestration. Working on Capitol Hill with a budget and hearing about this all the time was making me depressed, so I decided to go shopping on my lunch break to find some of these items. (The problem when I make a list like above is I become obsessed with getting everything "crossed off" and go into "squirrel mode")
 Anyhoo, I spent $75, but got none of these items!

I did get these fabulous little beauties though:

I really need to get some better backgrounds at work to do my shoes justice!
Also, now the world nows how big my feet are and how bad my nails look!

Ugh- glad it's the weekend!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Hair Hair Hair

I forced my hubby to snap this pic of me this morning thinking I could write about my color-blocking experiment (which I am pleased with), but all I can see in this picture is my nappy hair!
Ignore the flip flops and book bag. I have fabulous blue heels I changed into at work. This is "commuter chic"

Sidebar: Love these blue shoes & look how perfectly they match the skirt!

Ugh, extreme & terrible quality closeup of my rat-chewed ends

OK, back to business, I am obsessed with my hair. It has always been fine, and as I age, it's looking finer and drier- boo! Back in the day, I colored (OK, bleached) it, washed & blow dried it daily as well as flat ironed it every other day or so!

Wow, I was a lot tanner then. Ahhh, to have summers off and be able to sit at the pool all day instead of at a desk.

Now (thank god I don't have greys), I don't color it at all and I wash 2x/ week with this overpriced nonsense:


I just use the shampoo and conditioner, I wish I could afford the $60 revitalizer! I do love this product & think maybe taking a couple inches off the bottom might help.





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